Plant Sale Success, Community Garden Plots and June Events! By Pamela Sasseen, Hanley Farm Volunteer

Hanley Farm, by Stefan Baumann

"Hanley Farm," by Stefan Baumann

Did you attend the farm’s Fifth Annual Heirloom Plant Sale? Let me tell you, it seemed like the entire population of Medford, Jacksonville, Central Point, and points beyond made it!  We had so many enthusiastic gardeners, that a rumor started within the first hour that we were already sold out! Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. About that time, it was apparent we needed to man the parking lot to provide entry and exit guidance. Well, in my naivety, I volunteered to help.  Those of you who were among the early arrivals, the maniac you saw  waving her arms about in a seemingly hysterical manner was, you got it, me.

What a day. It was was perfect!  Visitors had their pick of  heirloom vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, melons, squash, cucumbers, herbs, native ornamental trees and shrubs, citrus trees, fig trees, grapes, etc., etc., and an eclectic selection of flowers.

Have you heard about the Southern Oregon Historical Society joining with Central Point to provide community gardening plots? I was strolling about and got to talking with this young couple who were at the farm  to take a look at the  plots that have been cultivated by Central Point citizens. This type of gardening is perfect for people who want to grow and enjoy fresh flowers and/or produce, but just don’t have the room to grow the crop. Hanley Farm provides the land, and Central Point supplies the administration and water supply. You might want to contact the Central Point Parks and Recreation Department to learn more about this exciting gardening adventure.  Call 664-3321, ext. 232, and they’ll be able to to answer any questions you may have.

We have so many exciting events planned!  Let’s start with June:

 Children’s Heritage Fair, June  2nd

We invite you and your family to attend the Children’s Heritage Fair, From 11am to 4pm, your children will have the opportunity to explore history from a child’s point of view! They’ll enjoy hand-on activities, and experience life as a pioneer on the Oregon Trail.  Children’s admission fee is $4.00; adults are free!  Call 541-773-6536, or go to the SOHS website www.sohs.org for  more information. For more photos of last year’s event, CLICK HERE.

 Hanley Farmhouse Tour, June 2

Go back in time and tour the farmhouse. From 11am to 3pm,  plan to include in your day a tour of  the Hanley farmhouse.

Picnic at Hanley Farm! Sunday, June 3. . .

. . . and every Sunday through September 30, 11am to 3pm, pack a picnic  and  come out to Hanley Farm.  Enjoy the peace, relax in the farm’s rolling lawns and unique plantings. After your picnic, take a self-guided tour of the farm., or play some old-fashioned games! Hanley Farm volunteers will be available to answer any questions you may have.  Donations appreciated!

 Dine at the Farm and experience our dinner series “Origins: A Discovery of Place”

We’re very excited about our “Origins: A Discovery of Place” series of dinners and talks planned for this summer.You’ll learn more about it in the July article.  Until then, we invite you to attend our first first event, June 30, 5:30pm  to 8:30pm. Our guest speaker, Jeff LaLande, of Southern Oregon University, will talk about “The State of Jefferson Movement: 160 Years in Search of a Separate Identity.”  Your meal, prepared by Jacksonville’s amazing master of cuisine, Chef Kristen Lyon, using local produce from Hanley Farm and other local farmer-participants in the Jacksonville Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Join us June 30, 5:30pm, for a fun, informative evening! $75 per person (SOHS members pay $55 per person); includes meal, chef selected regional wines, and “The State of Jefferson Movement” presented by Jeff LaLande.

For more information about Hanley Farm or upcoming events, call us at 541-773-2675; e-mail us at hanleyfarm@sohs.org; visit us on-line at www.sohs.org/properties/hanley-farm; or check out our Hanley Farm Facebook page!

Hanley Farm, owned and operated by the Southern Oregon Historical Society, is located at 1053 Hanley Road, between Jacksonville and Central Point.